Staff Reporter
Kwekwe City Council has raised concerns over the conduct of some City Park marshals, with councillors saying alleged unprofessional behaviour towards motorists could damage the image of the local authority.
Speaking during a full council meeting, Ward 8 Cllr Edumakomborero Mlambo called on management to address the concerns and ensure that City Park employees uphold expected workplace ethics when dealing with members of the public.
Cllr Mlambo said some marshals were not properly engaging motorists before taking action over parking-related issues.
“City Park employees must approach motorists shortly after parking their vehicles and introduce themselves rather than wait for the motorist to walk away before taking action. Upon returning, some motorists find their vehicles either with a parking fees debt token on the windscreen or clamped,” said Cllr Mlambo.
He said such an approach could negatively affect relations between council employees and residents.
“I do not think this is a good approach to their work. The marshals must be reminded to follow work ethics,” he said.
Cllr Mlambo further alleged that some marshals had been rude to motorists, calling on council management to consider refresher training for employees who interact with the public.
“The marshals are very unbecoming and rude to an extent of saying vulgar words to motorists. It is wise for them to undergo refresher courses on how to do their work,” he said.
He said the conduct of some employees could undermine efforts being made by council to improve the city’s image.
Kwekwe mayor Cllr Albert Zinhanga said council employees who interact with the public should undergo regular refresher training to improve customer service and maintain professional standards.
“Sometimes City Park marshals need to remember that they are carrying the city’s badge. I know that sometimes it is difficult to work with the public as some motorists may refuse to pay parking fees,” said Cllr Zinhanga.
He said council should consider conducting regular training programmes for employees dealing directly with the public.
“If it means carrying out retraining for our employees who work with the public, let us do it every quarter or on specific days. Whatever they do, it is the council that is blamed,” he said.
The mayor said the conduct of council employees contributes to how residents perceive the local authority.
“The badge they carry defines who we are as council. I refuse to be defined with disorder because we are not disorderly,” said Cllr Zinhanga.
